Based on the petrol-powered 9-3 Aero, which restarted production last December, early prototypes of the electric version will serve as a test bench, helping employees across the company to understand the technology, and serving as a reference point and verification for the manufacturing process.

It features a battery pack built by Beijing National Battery Technology, fitted under the cabin floor, which preserves the car’s 50/50 weight distribution and low centre of gravity and doesn’t compromise interior or luggage capacity. Fully charged, the battery offers a range of 120 miles, and powers a motor producing 138bhp.

Stig Nodin, vice president engineering and product development, said: ‘When we developed the Saab 9-3 Aero Sedan Model Year 14, we focused on enhancing the driving experience, safety and quality. And the starting point for our development of the Electric Vehicle project was to maintain all the good attributes and characteristics.’